Under-The-Radar Border Problem: No One Wants To Be A Border Patrol Officer

As the President consistently pushes for the hiring of more border patrol agents at the U.S.-Mexico border, officials are struggling to find enough recruits to fill even original numerical targets as harsh conditions, unimpressive salaries and remote housing spots drive candidates away.

Many officers leave the border for more lucrative law enforcement jobs, as border patrol agents get piddling overtime pay. Many go to ICE, where there are advancement opportunities for more highly educated officers and the offices are located in a “major metropolitan area” rather than a hot and dusty stretch of desert.

Per Politico, some agents have also become disillusioned over the Trump administration’s policies, balking at the family separation crisis sparked by the President’s policies.